King County, Washington state set a goal of releasing 600 prisoners from jail, in response to the Coronavirus scare. The County also implemented a policy of stopping bookings for most misdemeanor charges. Crimes that won’t be booked include shoplifting, property damage under $750, animal abuse, obstructing a law enforcement officer, trespassing, and vehicle prowling. While police will not act against these crimes, Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best told citizens that efforts to deal with the pandemic included vigilance against “hate crimes”. Don’t call the police for protection against prowling or theft, but be sure call if you see “hate”. -GEG

Seattle’s police chief took to Twitter to warn residents of the spread of the coronavirus while also informing them that they should call 911 if they witness “racist name calling.”

“Washington State is no place for hate. In a show of solidarity, @LoriMatsukawa joined me to remind everyone that hate has no place in our community,” a post on Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best’s Twitter account read Monday. “Report hate, including racist name calling, to 911. We are here to help, and will respond to investigate. #WeGotThisSeattle.”

Lori Matsukawa is a former local news personality who joined Best’s campaign to crack down on racism during the coronavirus pandemic, according to Reason.

“Hate crimes have no place in our community,” Matsukawa said. “We are all trying to deal with the COVID-19 public health crisis together. If you are a victim of a hate crime or hate-based harassment, please call 911.”

President Trump was criticized by many of his political opponents for pointing out the coronavirus originated in China. A CNN headline from late February, for example, reads, “What’s spreading faster than coronavirus in the US? Racist assaults and ignorant attacks against Asians.”

The FBI issued a warning against potential hate crimes against Asian Americans during the coronavirus pandemic.